Minneapolis Probate Attorney Explains the Difference Between a Formal and Informal Probate You now know that you need to open a probate. But, what type of probate do you need to pursue? Minnesota has both an informal and formal process. What is the difference? The main difference is that a formal probate requires a hearing…

A Minnesota Probate Attorney Explains What It Means To Open A Probate If a loved one dies, you quickly learn your ability to handle the decedent’s assets is limited. Financial institutions will tell you to give them “letters” proving your authority to act. You obtain that authority by filing a petition with the Probate Court….

A Minnesota Probate Lawyer Explains When A Probate is Necessary in Minnesota. I  receive a lot of calls asking how to handle matters after someone dies. So, I am posting a series to assist you with handling things for someone who has died. The first step is to determine whether you need to open a…

Minnesota Probate Attorney Explains Compensation for a Personal Representative (Executor) You’re having dinner with your brother when he suddenly says. “I need to ask you a favor. Will you be the executor for me if I die.” Naturally, you respond with “Don’t be silly. You’re not going to die” to which he responds “Sis. I’m…

Probate is the process in which a deceased person’s assets are gathered, debts are paid, and assets are distributed to beneficiaries. Basically, it is the court-overseen process of wrapping up a person’s affairs. Probate can be a lengthy process. In fact, the time it takes for probate to complete is a major reason many people…

A Minnesota Probate Attorney Verifies That Payments to Compensate a Personal Representative (Executor) Are Taxable You agree to act as the Personal Representative of your sister’s Estate. After a few months you realize that serving as her personal representative takes a lot of time. You have to take time off work to clean out her…

Minnesota Probate Attorney Explains Compensation for a Personal Representative  Your sister asks if you will act the personal representative for her estate if anything happens to her. She passes away and you are now faced with having to navigate the legal minefield of probate. Can you get paid for handling these matters? Yes you can!…

A Minneapolis Probate Attorney Explains the Fees Associated with Handling a Probate In Part I of this series, I explained who is responsible for paying the fees to open up a probate. Now I will turn to the types of expenses involved in a probate. • Court Fees These fees are dictated by Minnesota  law and…

Minnesota Probate Lawyer Explains Who Is Responsible for Paying Probate Fees Recently, a client came to me to help her handle her father’s estate. Dad had been sick for many years and attempted to plan as orderly a transition as possible after his death. He had a will drafted by an attorney and discussed his…

If you have ever considered or participated in estate planning, the term “probate” has likely come up. What is probate and why is it important? Is probate helpful or harmful to your estate planning? Read on to learn more. Simply put, probate is the legal process by which a person’s property is transferred to recipients…